Popular is a small-ish venue, set upstairs in a heritage courtyard in the Juan XIII district of La Paz.
It’s only open lunchtimes from Monday to Saturday, and takes no bookings. You have to turn up and put your name on the waiting list.
The menu consists of three options of starters, three mains and two desserts. One of the starters and mains are always vegetarian.
For the three courses, the price is 80 Bolivianos (about 11.50USD/9GBP) including a non-alcoholic drink. An optional wine pairing is priced at 50 Bolivianos (about 7USD/6GBP).
It is ridiculously cheap given the quality of food; and you will never have to worry about leaving hungry. Front of house staff all speak at least some English, if that is important for you.
The food is a riff on classic Bolivian cuisine.
The menu changes weekly.
I highly recommend trying to get a table if you are ever in La Paz.
https://www.instagram.com/popularbolivia?igsh=aWpsMTJ2ZG95NTl4
1. the menu for this week
2. cabello de ángel – crispy angel hair pasta with pickled beetroot, whipped criolla cheese and a vegetable soup
2. one of the matching wines (I made it, so I had to include it!)
4. ají de arroz – best description would be an Andean risotto flavoured with mild yellow chillies; served with sautéed vegetables a fried egg.
5. fruitas rojas – a very crispy, dark chocolate waffle served with red fruits marinated in lemongrass and a strawberry sorbet (the sorbet was absolutely exceptional!)
6. the dining room and open kitchen
by TheRealVinosity